OPT COO Jobs
COO jobs on OPT are accessible but competitive. Most hiring happens at growth-stage startups and mid-size companies where operational leadership is a genuine need. Your 12-month OPT window is enough to land the role, but H-1B visa sponsorship readiness should be part of every conversation from the start.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Sodexo Seniors is seeking a Director of Facilities Operations to support facilities maintenance operations for multiple accounts in the Northeast. Travel will be at 40% and candidate will need to be based in Harrisburg or Lancaster, PA area.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in facilities management, preferably in a healthcare/senior living or regulated environment. Will ensure safe, efficient & well-maintained facilities, delivering exceptional service to client & residents.
ABOUT THE JOB
In this senior leadership role, you’ll be responsible for overseeing all aspects of facilities operations, from skilled trades and maintenance programs to staffing, safety, and compliance, across complex, high-impact environments. You’ll lead multidisciplinary teams, ensure optimal building performance, and partner with internal stakeholders to drive strategic improvements and operational excellence.
Accountable for managing people, setting direction and deploying resources; typically is responsible for performance evaluation, pay reviews and hire/fire decisions. Results are primarily achieved through the work of others and typically depend on the manager's ability to influence and negotiate with parts of the organization. Progression within Career Band reflects acquisition of broad technical expertise, business and industry knowledge, and process and people leadership capabilities. Accountable for business, functional or operational areas, processes or programs, which may include dotted-line or matrixed management.
PAY RANGE: $115940 per year - $180070 per year
INCENTIVE ELIGIBILITY: Eligible to participate in Sodexo's incentive plan and earn variable compensation in addition to base salary
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU
- Lead large-scale facilities operations where your decisions directly impact safety, efficiency, and business continuity.
- Influence strategy and drive innovation by overseeing key infrastructure systems and service delivery.
- Build and lead high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, development, and technical excellence.
- Play a pivotal role in construction planning, system upgrades, and long-term asset preservation.
- Gain visibility and collaboration opportunities with senior stakeholders across a broad operational landscape.
- Manage operational budgets and resources while aligning facilities strategy with organizational goals.
- Thrive in a purpose-driven environment that rewards leadership, problem-solving, and operational precision.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING
3+ years of facilities, engineering, or maintenance management experience, preferably in healthcare, senior living, or a related industry. Working knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and building systems maintenance.
- Proven experience leading complex facilities operations, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and utility systems.
- Leadership skills with the skillset to manage, mentor, and inspire both frontline teams and management staff.
- Expertise in overseeing construction projects, capital improvements, and long-term infrastructure planning.
- Financial acumen, with experience managing budgets, contracts, and resource allocation.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills to drive alignment and operational success across diverse teams.
REQUIREMENTS
- Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- Management Experience: 5 years
- Related Experience: 5 years
WHAT WE OFFER
Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:
- Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
- 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
- Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
- Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement
More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.
WHO WE ARE
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.
Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.
INTRODUCTION
Sodexo Seniors is seeking a Director of Facilities Operations to support facilities maintenance operations for multiple accounts in the Northeast. Travel will be at 40% and candidate will need to be based in Harrisburg or Lancaster, PA area.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in facilities management, preferably in a healthcare/senior living or regulated environment. Will ensure safe, efficient & well-maintained facilities, delivering exceptional service to client & residents.
ABOUT THE JOB
In this senior leadership role, you’ll be responsible for overseeing all aspects of facilities operations, from skilled trades and maintenance programs to staffing, safety, and compliance, across complex, high-impact environments. You’ll lead multidisciplinary teams, ensure optimal building performance, and partner with internal stakeholders to drive strategic improvements and operational excellence.
Accountable for managing people, setting direction and deploying resources; typically is responsible for performance evaluation, pay reviews and hire/fire decisions. Results are primarily achieved through the work of others and typically depend on the manager's ability to influence and negotiate with parts of the organization. Progression within Career Band reflects acquisition of broad technical expertise, business and industry knowledge, and process and people leadership capabilities. Accountable for business, functional or operational areas, processes or programs, which may include dotted-line or matrixed management.
PAY RANGE: $115940 per year - $180070 per year
INCENTIVE ELIGIBILITY: Eligible to participate in Sodexo's incentive plan and earn variable compensation in addition to base salary
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU
- Lead large-scale facilities operations where your decisions directly impact safety, efficiency, and business continuity.
- Influence strategy and drive innovation by overseeing key infrastructure systems and service delivery.
- Build and lead high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, development, and technical excellence.
- Play a pivotal role in construction planning, system upgrades, and long-term asset preservation.
- Gain visibility and collaboration opportunities with senior stakeholders across a broad operational landscape.
- Manage operational budgets and resources while aligning facilities strategy with organizational goals.
- Thrive in a purpose-driven environment that rewards leadership, problem-solving, and operational precision.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING
3+ years of facilities, engineering, or maintenance management experience, preferably in healthcare, senior living, or a related industry. Working knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and building systems maintenance.
- Proven experience leading complex facilities operations, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and utility systems.
- Leadership skills with the skillset to manage, mentor, and inspire both frontline teams and management staff.
- Expertise in overseeing construction projects, capital improvements, and long-term infrastructure planning.
- Financial acumen, with experience managing budgets, contracts, and resource allocation.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills to drive alignment and operational success across diverse teams.
REQUIREMENTS
- Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- Management Experience: 5 years
- Related Experience: 5 years
WHAT WE OFFER
Compensation is fair and equitable, partially determined by a candidate's education level or years of relevant experience. Salary offers are based on a candidate's specific criteria, like experience, skills, education, and training. Sodexo offers a comprehensive benefits package that may include:
- Medical, Dental, Vision Care and Wellness Programs
- 401(k) Plan with Matching Contributions
- Paid Time Off and Company Holidays
- Career Growth Opportunities and Tuition Reimbursement
More extensive information is provided to new employees upon hire.
WHO WE ARE
At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone and build a better life for all. We believe in improving the quality of life for those we serve and contributing to the economic, social, and environmental progress in the communities where we operate. Sodexo partners with clients to provide a truly memorable experience for both customers and employees alike. We do this by providing food service, catering, facilities management, and other integrated solutions worldwide.
Our company values you for you; you will be treated fairly and with respect, and you can be yourself. You will have your ideas count and your opinions heard because we can be a stronger team when you’re happy at work. This is why we embrace diversity and inclusion as core values, fostering an environment where all employees are valued and respected. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to individuals regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, military status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. If you need assistance with the application process, please complete this form.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in COO
Target companies with existing H-1B sponsorship history
Companies that have sponsored H-1B visas before are far more likely to do it again. Check USCIS disclosure data to identify employers who have filed petitions for senior operational roles, then prioritize those in your outreach.
Lead with operational results, not immigration status
COO hiring decisions are driven by outcomes. Open with metrics: revenue growth you influenced, costs you reduced, teams you scaled. Once there is genuine interest, the sponsorship conversation becomes a process question, not a dealbreaker.
Get the sponsorship conversation in early but not first
Raise H-1B sponsorship after you have demonstrated clear value, ideally before an offer is drafted. Waiting until the final stage creates legal and logistical complications that can derail an otherwise successful hire.
Understand your OPT cap-gap protection if applicable
If your H-1B is selected in the lottery and your OPT expires before October 1, the cap-gap rule extends your work authorization automatically. Knowing this removes urgency-driven pressure and gives you negotiating room.
Align your field of study to the operational function
STEM OPT applicants get 24 additional months of authorization, but only if the COO role connects to your STEM degree. Business operations roles tied to engineering, data, or technology management often qualify. Confirm eligibility with your DSO before applying.
Prepare a concise sponsorship brief for employers
Many companies are unfamiliar with OPT or H-1B timelines. A one-page summary covering key dates, costs, and the employer's actual obligations removes hesitation and positions you as someone who makes the process easy, not complicated.
COO OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a COO on F-1 OPT?
Yes. F-1 OPT authorizes full-time employment in any role directly related to your field of study, including C-suite positions like COO. The key requirement is that the operational work must connect to your degree field. A COO role at a technology company is straightforward for a computer science or engineering graduate. Business, management, and finance graduates have comparable pathways for companies in their sector.
Do COO roles qualify for STEM OPT extension?
They can, but it depends on your degree and the employer's structure. If your bachelor's or master's degree is in a STEM-designated field and the COO role is at an E-Verify-enrolled company with responsibilities tied to that field, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Operational leadership at a technology, data, or engineering company is the most common qualifying scenario. Confirm with your DSO before applying.
How do I find COO jobs where employers are open to OPT?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for this. It filters COO and senior operational roles by employers who are open to sponsoring international candidates, so you are not wasting applications on companies that will not engage. Growth-stage startups and Series B to Series D companies are typically the most receptive to OPT candidates at the COO level because they need proven operators quickly and are less constrained by legacy HR policies.
Will employers hesitate to hire a COO on OPT?
Some will, particularly large enterprises with rigid hiring policies. Smaller and mid-size companies, especially those that have sponsored visas before, tend to be more pragmatic. The most effective way to reduce hesitation is to demonstrate clear operational value early in the process and address the sponsorship timeline proactively with a concise explanation of what the process involves and what it costs the employer.
What happens to my COO position if my OPT expires before my H-1B is approved?
If your employer files an H-1B petition before your OPT expires and your registration is selected in the lottery, the cap-gap provision extends your work authorization through September 30 of that year. If your H-1B takes effect October 1, there is no gap in authorization. If your petition is not selected or not filed in time, you cannot continue working and would need to explore alternative visa options with your employer and an immigration attorney.